5-Minute Mint Julep Mocktail with Lime

My Kentucky Derby inspired Mint Julep Mocktail is cold, fizzy, minty, and alcohol-free. It has the Southern porch energy of a mint julep, the bright lime finish of a mojito mocktail, and it is ready in about 5 minutes with premade simple syrup. No bourbon, no bar cart, and no pretending you understand horse racing.

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At the time that I'm writing this, it is currently 103°F. This Mint Julep Mocktail is the drink I want when on days like today, when it's hot enough outside that anywhere outside is a huge no for me. Fresh mint, lime, and crushed ice do most of the work, which is nice because I am mostly here to stir, sip, and avoid turning on the oven.

Okay, to tell the truth I don't think my Mississippi family ever heard of Derby Day, or even knew anyone from Kentucky, but a minty cold beverage always reminds me of my Dad, my Grandma, and hot summer days when everyone was hoping to catch a breeze on the screen porch. We were never a big alcohol family, so cold mocktails like this were a way to make the day feel a little special without straying too far our sweet tea territory.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Quick - If your simple syrup is already made, this mint julep mocktail comes together in less than 5 minutes. Honestly I only said five minutes because one minute just sounds like a brag.
• Alcohol-free - It is a fun, refreshing drink for any time you want something more exciting than another glass of water. And let's face it, even us no-alcohol people deserve a fun little bevvy.
• Fresh - Fresh mint and lime juice keep the drink bright instead of flat or too sweet.
• Flexible - Use ginger ale for a sweeter, more Southern-style mocktail or sparkling water for something lighter and less sweet.
• Batchable - You can make a pitcher for 8 people and let everyone pour it over crushed ice when they are ready.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The photo below shows what you need to prepare this mint julep mocktail. I will go over the main ingredients and how to substitute them if needed.

• Fresh mint - Fresh mint is the whole point here, so please do not use dried herb unless your plan is to be embarrassed when you do the "do I have anything in my teeth?" check with your best friend.
• Simple syrup - This is just equal parts granulated sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a couple of weeks, or you can buy premade simple syrup at the grocery store. For extra flavor you can make a mint syrup by adding a handful of mint leaves to the simple syrup as it cools.
• Fresh lime juice - I know, I know, a classic mint julep doesn't have lime, but fresh lime juice gives this mocktail a bright, mojito-style twist. Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch, but fresh lime tastes cleaner and less sharp. You could also use lemon, but I don't love it as much.
• Ginger ale or sparkling water - Ginger ale makes the drink sweeter and gives it more of a Southern vibe. Sparkling water keeps it lighter and lets the mint and the lime stand out.
• Crushed ice - Crushed ice is part of what makes a mint julep a mint julep. If you don't have crushed ice, wrap ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel and whack them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Very therapeutic. 10/10. Highly recommend.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Variations

• Fresh berries mint julep mocktail - Muddle a few blackberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries with the mint before adding the sweetener and lime.
• Ginger beer mint julep mocktail - Use ginger beer instead of ginger ale for a stronger ginger flavor and a little more bite.
• Sweet tea mint julep mocktail - Replace half of the ginger ale or sparkling water with chilled sweet tea for a very front-porch situation.
• Cucumber mint mocktail - Muddle 2 thin cucumber slices with the mint for an extra-cool version that tastes like someone turned the temperature down by 10 degrees.

Quick Recipe Video

Step-by-Step Instructions

This is an easy alcohol-free mint julep, and although it's simple enough to do without pictures, the process shots will walk you through it. Have your simple syrup made and chilled before you start, then build the drink right in the glass.

Step 1: Drop 8 to 10 mint leaves into the bottom of a glass.

Step 2: Pour in the simple syrup.

Step 3: Pour in the fresh lime juice.

Step 4: Use a muddler or the end of a rolling pin to gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup and lime juice.

Step 5: Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice and stir vigorously.

Step 6: Fill the glass the rest of the way with crushed ice. Top with ginger ale or sparkling water.

Step 8: Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint on the rim of your glass. Maybe add a glass straw. Serve right away while the drink is very cold. Make another one immediately.

How to make a pitcher for 8 servings

It's easiest to make a batch of mint julep mocktails by stareting with a mint simple syrup. To make it combine ⅔ cup granulated sugar and ⅔ cup water in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat, add a generous handful of fresh mint leaves, and let steep for 20 to 30 minutes before straining and cooling.

Add 8 ounces of the mint simple syrup and 8 ounces of fresh lime juice, or a quality bottled lime juice, to a pitcher and stir well. 

Fill each glass with crushed ice, then pour in enough of the mocktail base to fill the glass halfway. Top with ginger ale, ginger beer, or sparkling water, and garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint. For the best bubbles, wait to add the carbonated beverage until just before serving.

What to serve with mint julep mocktails

This mint julep mocktail works really well as a non-alcoholic brunch drink when you want something brighter than sweet tea but you want a non-alcoholic alternative to the usual mimosa.

It's a natural fit for brunch, summer cookouts, and any time you just want something extra refreshing. Serve it with pimento cheese biscuits, buttermilk biscuits, fried chicken, fruit salad, crepes, or anything that belongs on a table when it is too hot to be doing the most.

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